Eliminating clock spring

I recently bought a used Touring Sparco steering wheel to replace the base wheel.

Basically, I did not pay attention and the clock spring was not lined up on the backside and i crunched it.

Before installing I did check that the horn button worked and it was sporadic.

So...can I just eliminate the clock spring and hard wire a horn button?

I know the only thing the clock spring does is prvide horn power, but I believe it acts as a spacer too. So my thought is to disconnect the wires and reinstall the spring body.

Any thoughts?

Did you leave the clock spring body in place?

Cool...thanks for the conformation.

I got the new switch wired up. Got it at Advance auto and it is waterproof.

I was able to get enough slack in the wiring harness that I did not need to lengthen the wires...just tinned them.

I can reach the button easily behind the wheel.

Just used a 3/4" spade bit.